Neale Cooper made two changes from the side that lost out narrowly to Sunderland in the FA Cup for this afternoon's Division Two clash with struggling Peterborough.

John Brackstone came in at left back with Matty Robson dropping to the bench and in attack Joe Porter replaced Paul Robinson.

Peterborough came into this match just one place outside the relegation zone but boosted by a 5-2 midweek win over Notts County.

The visitors had the first chance of the game, Farrell getting the better of Barron and delivering a left wing cross that was headed well off target by Woodhouse.

Pool's first chance of the afternoon fell to Barron but the skipper ballooned his shot over the bar following a superb cross from Humphreys.

And soon after poor defending gave Strachan two chances to shoot, his first effort was blocked and then he fired high over from 15 yards.

A great through ball from Strachan set Williams clear on ten minutes and the Welsh striker looked favourite to score only for Arber to time his tackle to perfection.

The first shot on target came on 13 minutes, Shuker firing in a right foot shot which Peterborough keeper Tyler punched clear.

And within a minute the visiting keeper was in action again getting down smartly to keep out a goal-bound effort from Porter.

A flowing move led to another great chance for Pool, Williams breaking down the left and crossing for Barron who delivered it back in and when the ball broke for Tinkler his 25-yard shot flew inches wide.

Another chance went begging when Shuker picked out Porter with a perfect pass and the Australian striker clipped the ball past Tyler but agonisingly wide of the target.

Provett's first piece of action was a great double save from Woodhouse saving his first shot and when the midfielder tried to chip the young keeper Provett twisted his body to clutch the ball out of mid-air.

The visitors should have gone in front on 33 minutes when veteran midfielder Legg got the better of Westwood, but Provett was well positioned to save the shot.

But on 37 minutes it was the home side that took the lead when a brilliant pass from Shuker gave EIFION WILLIAMS the simple task of rounding the keeper and sidefooting home his fourth goal in six matches.

And the striker had a chance to grab a second three minutes later but he sliced an attempted left foot effort from Humphrey's cross.

Provett was called upon to keep his side in front in the dying moments of the half, diving low to his right to keep out a close range header from Platt.

Half-time: Hartlepool 1, Peterborough 0.

Peterborough defender Gill was the first player booked on 48 minutes for a foul on Porter and a minute later Robinson replaced Williams in what appeared to be a tactical switch by Cooper.

Shuker attempted to score his first Hartlepool goal in spectacular style with a bicycle kick but him impressive effort was easily saved by Tyler.

Both sides continued to play attacking football and it was surprising there had only been a single goal considering the sides produced seven between them on the opening day.

Andy Clarke replaced Logan and Willock came on for Farrell as Peterborough boss Barry Fry went looking for a way back into the game.

Brackstone was the first home player booked for a late lunge on Willock.

The visitors made their third change on 61 minutes. Jenkins coming on for Tom Williams with the game still evenly balanced despite Pool's one goal lead.

But that lead should have been two on 64 minutes when Humphreys long throw was headed back in by Barron, Porter and Strachan beat the offside trap but got in each other's way and Strachan's volley went over.

Robson came on for Brackstone in a defensive change with Pool looking to maintain their slim advantage.

Porter came close to making it 2-0 when he played a one-two with Robinson and shot for the top corner from the edge of the area but Tyler dived to his left to make the save.

Peterborough were reduced to ten men on 78 minutes when Gill was shown his second yellow card for pulling back Shuker after the midfielder had stolen the ball from him.

The home fans started to get frustrated with their side constantly giving the ball away while protecting their single goal lead.

And a needless foul by Strachan presented the opposition with an opportunity but Thomson's free kick was headed wide by Clarke.

Pool boss Cooper then substituted his substitutes when he replaced Robinson with younger midfielder Isted and Pool hung on for the points.